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EU hands over €3 million's worth of waste collection equipment to clean up Palestinian environment

The Palestinian Ministry of Local Government today took delivery of over €3 million's worth (approximately NIS 17.2 million) of waste collection and disposal equipment, in a move that will directly impact on the quality of life of ordinary Palestinians, helping local authorities to deal with the estimated 500,000 tons of solid waste generated annually in the West Bank alone.

A ceremony was hosted today, July 22, 2009 by the Palestinian Minister for Local Government, Eng. Khaled Al Qwasmeh and the European Commission Head of Operations, Mr. Roy Dickinson.

Minister Khaled Al Qwasmeh praised the local ownership and good cooperation within this project, in which the Palestinian municipalities and the Ministry of Local Government, supported by the International Management Group and the European Union, prepared, tendered and managed the contracts that resulted today in the delivery of 42 waste collection vehicles.

Mr. Dickinson added, "In the building-up of the Palestinian State, the quality of direct service delivery by the Municipalities to citizens is central to their perception of whether the Palestinian Authority can deliver improvements to their quality of life and fulfill the basic duties of a State. Through our assistance mechanism, PEGASE, the European Union supports all efforts of the Palestinian Authority to deliver services to the people, and is proud to have contributed to this long-term programme for improving the environment."

This is the second delivery of a series of EU-funded equipment, which will be sent out to 23 locations throughout the year. Under direct implementation of the Ministry of Local Government, the project aims to enhance and develop the current solid waste management practices adopted in the West Bank, and will contribute to the setting up of proper infrastructure for the collection, transfer, and disposal of solid waste.

A lack of equipment in the past has meant that waste is sometimes not properly disposed of, which creates health hazards by contaminating ground water and soil, as well as air pollution due to uncontrolled burning.

The equipment handed over during today's ceremony included 42 Solid Waste Collection Trucks, a Road Sweeper and equipment The equipment delivered today will benefit 23 municipalities, Joint Service Councils and local councils across the West Bank.

To ensure the success of the project, three contracts have been signed with local companies for trucks, heavy equipment and waste collection containers which will also provide training for local council staff on the proper use and maintenance of the equipment.

PEGASE is the European Union's main mechanism for assistance to the Palestinian people through the implementation of the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan (PRDP).

Press contacts:

Haifa Siam
Press and Information Officer, European Commission
02 - 541 5888 ext 867
0599 673958
www.delwbg.ec.europa.eu

Alix de Mauny
Press and Information Manager
European Commission Technical Assistance Office for the West Bank and Gaza Strip
PO Box 22207 Mount of Olives
Jerusalem
Tel: +972 (0)2 541 5888 ext 859
Fax:+972 (0)2 541 5848
NEW WORK MOBILE: +972 (0)54 8024915
Website : www.delwbg.ec.europa.eu